M K Hutchins

Plum would be more comfortable cooking for diplomatic negotiations than leading them, but she's Rowak's only hope for peace. With most of the delegation imprisoned-including her beloved Bane-she hasn't made the best first impression, either.Regardless of her precarious position, Plum must dive into the tasks of an acting ambassador. Outmaneuver the mysterious, war-mongering Lady Oakash. Survive Palaw's deadly plots. Make new allies in a foriegn, hostile country. End a war. If she can navigate all of that, she might have a chance to free the man she loves.

Plum would love to work as Lady Sulat's chef and spend her days crafting healing foods, but it isn't safe for her to stay in the capital. She knows far too many of the king's secrets. Lady Sulat proposes sending Plum away on a covert mission. Learn all about poisons. Learn how to defend against them. Head into dangerous territory.Unfortunately, Plum has to rely on her sister for support...the sister who isn't even the tiniest bit sorry for nearly getting Plum executed. Her poisons teacher is an old enemy. And, given the secretive nature of what she's doing, Plum can't even openly talk to Bane about it.But Plum is going to give it her all. After what she's seen of war, she's willing to take any risk and pay any price to secure peace for Rowak.

Seventeen-year-old Plum is a young chef with high prospects -- until she gives up her career to cover for her runaway sister. Lying for family leaves her tangled up in intrigue, and accused of poisoning the king's sister. To clear her name, Plum has to figure out who's really behind the attack. Her best hope is to make an alliance with the Hungry Ghost who haunts the palace kitchens. He'll spy for her, if she whips him up an exorcism. But researching exorcism recipes and delving into the identity of the true poisoner unearths darker plots. If Plum wants to save herself, her family, and her nation, she's going to have to cook the dish.